Lakers downgrade LeBron to out vs. Knicks

LOS ANGELES -- LeBron James will miss his second straight game Sunday because of a left elbow contusion and left foot arthritis, the Los Angeles Lakers announced before their game against the New York Knicks.

James, 41, hurt his elbow late in the fourth quarter of L.A.'s 120-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday when falling to the floor after absorbing contact from Nikola Jokic while scoring a layup.

"It's pretty sore right now," James said after the game. "It felt like one of those funny bone situations, but like, super more intense."

This is the first time James has missed consecutive games all season since starting off the 2025-26 campaign on the injured list for the first 14 games because of sciatica affecting his lower back and down his right leg.

The four-time MVP is averaging 21.4 points on 50.4%, 5.6 rebounds and 7.0 assists in his record-setting 23rd season.

L.A. has gone 12-7 without him this season.

Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters before the Knicks game that Deandre Ayton and Maxi Kleber -- who both missed Friday's 128-117 win against the Indiana Pacers, along with James -- would be available Sunday.

Rui Hachimura started in place of James on Sunday.